Worker of the Week is a series of blog posts which highlights the workers at H.M. Factory Gretna that our volunteers researched for The Miracle Workers Project. This project aimed to centralise all of the 30,000 people who worked at the factory during World War One and, although it may be over, our amazing research volunteers are continuing to uncover more stories about H.M. Factory Gretna workers to be added to this database. We are always looking to learn more about H.M. Factory Gretna workers. If you know anything about a H.M. Factory Gretna worker please feel free to get in touch with us by contacting info@devilsporridge.org.uk
This week’s Worker of the Week, Margaret Alice Laidlaw was accused of stealing a pillow (and a few more things). Find the full story below and thanks to our research volunteers for their help!
Early Life
- Firstly, on 29th December 1899, Alice was born in Spittal, Berwick on Tweed, Northumberland.
- Her parents were Robert and Isabella Mosely Laidlaw (nee Wood).
- Robert worked as a fisherman.
- By the 1901 census record the family were living on Princes Street in Spittal.
- However, by the 1911 census they have moved to 2 Sandstell Road, Spittal.
- This also shows us that Margaret has 10 siblings.
- Meanwhile, her father is still working as a fisherman.
Time at H.M. Factory Gretna
- Next, we know she worked as a munitions worker at H.M. Factory Gretna.
- We don’t know exactly when Margaret started working at the factory, but we do know that she must have worked there from early 1917.
- How do we know this? Well, Margret was accused of theft!
- In fact, 18 year old Margaret…
“was charged with stealing two cotton blouses, the property of Madge Thomson, a fellow-worker; a cotton pillow belonging to the Ministry of Munitions; and a gold ring, the property of Jeanie Simpson.”
– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, 1917. (1)
- Do you think Margaret was planning on making a scarecrow? (Of course, that’s just a complete guess. We haven’t found a time machine to check yet, but if you do know more about any H.M. Factory Gretna workers like Margaret please feel free to get in touch!)
- Anyway, at the time Margaret…
“pleaded not guilty, and was remanded until to-day, bail being fixed at £2.”
– The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, 1917. (1)
- According to Bank of England’s Inflation Calculator £2 in 1917 would be approximately £123.42 in May 2026. (2)
- Around this time, Margaret’s address is listed in the Gretna electoral roll as “2 F East.”
Marriage and Later Life
- After this, we know that Margaret returned to Berwick on Tweed.
- This is because, she got married there!
- In 1920, Margaret married Alexander Johnstone.
- The following year they were still living in the area.
- They had six children together.
- In 1939, the family were living at 6 Farne Avenue, Berwick on Tweed.
- Also Alexander worked as a colliery.
- Lastly, Margaret died in 1956.
Sources and Further Information
- “Charge Against Munition Worker,” The Dumfries and Galloway Standard newspaper, Saturday 3rd February 1917
- The Bank of England’s Inflation Calculator – www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator
Find Margaret Alice Laidlaw’s Online Database entry by clicking here>
Do you have a relative who worked at H.M. Factory Gretna? We would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact us by emailing info@devilsporridge.org.uk. You never know maybe your relative could feature in a future Worker of the Week blog post! You can also have a look at some more H.M. Factory Gretna workers on our online database here>
